Since 2015, as a result of the generosity of over a thousand individual donors and a number of bequests, a project called Operation Undercover Cover Phase 4 (OP4) has been carried out and is ongoing. OP2 & 3 were projects at Sheffield Park. OP4 has provided the following facilities at the Horsted Keynes Carriage & Wagon Works.

the supports and a roof over the previously open-air maintenance road

site clearance and groundworks for four new rolling stock storage roads, two of which are in place

groundworks, the steel frame and a roof over the new tracks

groundworks, the steel frame and a roof for a Heritage Skills Centre (HSC).

The result of this work is that 12 carriages of our unique collection of heritage rolling stock are now undercover and no longer subject to the rain and sun. Work is ongoing to complete the other two storage roads and point work to permit more carriages to be moved undercover to a maximum of around 25 dependent on length.

The HSC structure (left) when completed will eventually house workshops for Trimming (upholstery), varnishing and training in basic skills. It will also provide storage for valuable drawings and offices for C&W management which are both currently located in Portakabins for which we only have temporary planning consent.

This Appeal is for £250,000. The first £180,000 is required to build the walls and install the windows and doors around three sides of the maintenance/storage roads and the four sides of the HSC. If a further £70,000 can be raised the floors plus external access ramps and steps will be installed in the HSC. This will permit the phased fit out of the HSC as funds can be raised and become available.

A benefactor will provide matching funding for the first £100,000 donated to this Appeal, but only if the donations are made by midnight on 31 December, since this Double Donations Dash has now been extended to run until 31 December, due to delays in the delivery of Bluebell News magazine and hence the launch of the appeal to our membership.

Therefore we only need to raise £150,000 from public donations to add to the matching funding. If this can be achieved by the end of November, work should start in the spring of 2019. Overachieving the Appeal will mean funds can be put towards starting work on the fitting out of the HSC.

Remember: until 31 December every £10 donated up to a total of £100,000, eligible for Gift Aid, will be worth £22.50 to the project.